Welcome to my blog, where I discuss and critique the latest NHL trades, free agent signings, and waiver claims, as well as other hockey topics that I feel should be addressed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the 2013 Stanley Cup.

Congratulations to Conn Smythe Trophy winner Patrick Kane.

UPDATES

- The NHL Players Overseas for Lockout list is current as of 2:35 PM January 6, 2013.

- The 2012 Free Agents list and 2012 Free Agent Signings list are current as of 2:35 PM January 6, 2013.

- The 2011 Free Agents list and 2011 Free Agent Signings list are current as of 1:09 PM June 16, 2012.

- The Atlanta Thrashers have been re-designated Winnipeg on the 2011 Free Agents list. Any signings that were completed prior to May 31, 2011 will be listed as "Atlanta/Winnipeg." Any signings completed after May 31, 2011 will be listed as "Winnipeg."

- The 2010 Free Agents list and 2010 Free Agent Signings list are current as of 11:34 PM May 20, 2011.

Search This Blog

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The New York Islanders have announced that they have signed right wing Tim Jackman to a one-year contract extension worth $550,000. In 59 games so far this season, Jackman has four goals and four assists for eight points and 133 penalty minutes. He has also played with the Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes in his four years in the NHL. This is a decent signing for the Islanders. Jackman has been a very gritty and physical forward for the Islanders this season on their checking lines. He obviously impressed management enough this year with his toughness to earn another contract with the team, and at $550,000, is a very affordable player for the Islanders.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Gary Roberts announced his retirement from the NHL during a press conference on Tuesday, ending a 20-season career. The Lightning placed him on waivers last week just prior to the trade deadline. Despite the rumor of several teams apparently having interest in Roberts, he went unclaimed and questions quickly arose over whether he would retire or not. Roberts was limited to 30 games this season after suffering a groin injury in December. He had four goals and three assists for seven points and 27 penalty minutes with the Lightning this season. In 1224 NHL games, Roberts had 438 goals and 472 assists for 910 points and 2374 penalty minutes with the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He won a Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989 and previously announced his retirement in 1996 due to chronic neck pain, but made a comeback with the Hurricanes in 1997. He also reached the Stanley Cup Finals last season with the Penguins. Roberts was a very gritty forward and talented goal scorer with lots of leadership qualities during his career and that could eventually translate into a place in the Hall of Fame. It's too bad he ended his NHL career on the lowly Lightning and that injuries limited his play this season, but he should be very proud of everything he accomplished in his career.

The Dallas Stars announced on Monday that they have signed center Brian Sutherby to a two-year contract extension worth $1.625 million. The deal will pay him $775,000 next season and $850,00 for the 2010-11 season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Stars originally acquired Sutherby from the Anaheim Ducks in December for prospect David McIntyre and a conditional sixth round pick in the 2010 draft. In 51 games this season with the Ducks and Stars, Sutherby has eight goals and seven assists for 15 points and 54 penalty minutes. This is a good, affordable signing for the Stars. Sutherby adds lots of size and toughness to their checking lines. He also brings plenty of offensive depth to a Stars' team that already has lots of offensive talent.

The Montreal Canadiens shocked the hockey world on Monday by announcing that head coach Guy Carbonneau had been fired by the team. General manager Bob Gainey will take over the head coaching duties for the rest of the season. The team also announced that associate coach Doug Jarvis, as well as assistant coaches Kirk Muller and Roland Melanson will keep their jobs. This is the second time Gainey has taken over behind the Canadiens bench, with the first time during the 2005-06 season after Claude Julien was relieved of his coaching duties. Carbonneau was named head coach on May 5, 2006 and held the position for nearly three years. The Canadiens started the 2008-09 season, their 100th in the NHL, very strong, but have slipped through the standings in recent weeks and are barely hanging onto a playoff spot. The firing of Carbonneau comes as a bit of a shock since he was a Jack Adams Trophy finalist last season for coach-of-the-year. It's obvious that firing Carbonneau is the only option the Canadiens had at this time of year to shake up the team without trading away half the team. However, the team's woes can't be pinned solely on Carbonneau. Injuries to some of their top forwards, along with inconsistent play from some of their top forwards have kept the Canadiens from being at the top of the Northeast Division for most of the season. Hopefully Gainey can get the team back on track and keep them from missing the playoffs.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

The Philadelphia Flyers have nullified the trade they made for defenseman Kyle McLaren at the deadline on March 4. The Flyers nullified the trade because McLaren did not pass his physical, according the Flyers GM Paul Holmgren. Philadelphia acquired the rugged defenseman from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 6th round pick in the 2009 draft. McLaren has played for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL all season because of salary cap constraints by San Jose. He had six assists in only 17 games played in Worcester this season. In 19 NHL games, he has 46 goals and 161 assists for 207 points and 61 penalty minutes with the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks. It's expected that McLaren will be assigned to the Philadelphia Phantoms of the AHL. This is a serious setback for McLaren, who has been trying to get back into the NHL. Due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, it may be tough for McLaren to find an NHL team interested in him after failing a physical. He likely played his last NHL game during the 2007-08 season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have signed free agent center Jeff Hamilton for the remainder of the season. Hamilton struggled offensively last season with the Carolina Hurricanes and had his contract bought out last summer. He had been playing with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL prior to signing with the Maple Leafs. In 142 NHL games, Hamilton has 29 goals and 42 assists for 71 points with the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, and Carolina Hurricanes. Hamilton scored nearly 20 goals during the 2006-07 season with the Blackhawks, but failed to live up to those expectations with the Hurricanes. With the Maple Leafs seeking some depth at center after trading Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore at the trade deadline, they decided to give Hamilton another shot at getting back to into the NHL. He gives the Maple Leafs some decent depth at center, and if he regain his offensive success of two seasons ago in the remaining games of the 2008-09 season, he could be back in the NHL next season.

In two moves that went under the radar on deadline day, the Los Angeles Kings re-signed goaltender Erik Ersberg to two-year contract and defenseman Sean O'Donnell to a one-year contract. Terms of their contracts were not disclosed. Both players would have been unrestricted free agents on July 1. O'Donnell was acquired by the Kings from the Anaheim Ducks prior to the season for a conditional draft pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. This is his second stint with the Kings. In 24 games so far this season, Ersberg has a record of 8-9-4 with a GAA of 2.49 and a .901 save percentage. This is his second season in the NHL. In 63 games this season, O'Donnell has 10 assists and 56 penalty minutes. Both signings are good depth moves for the Kings. Ersberg has had good stats this season despite his record and has helped keep the Kings in the playoff chase, while O'Donnell brings the Kings lots of toughness and veteran depth on their young blueline.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

In one of the last reported trades on the 2008-09 deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Olaf Kolzig, defenseman Jamie Heward, defensive prospect Andy Rogers, and a fourth round draft pick in exchange for defensive prospect Richard Petiot. The fourth round draft pick is the one the Lightning received in the Jussi Jokinen trade. Kolzig and Heward are out for the rest of the season with injuries and it was reported the Maple Leafs took on these players to help Tampa Bay cut salary. So, the trade is essentially Rogers and a draft pick for Petiot. Kolzig struggled in his one season in Tampa Bay, posting a 2-4-1 record. Heward had two assists in 13 games with the Lightning this season. Both Petiot and Rogers have played in the AHL all season. Rogers, a very big and physical defenseman, could be a decent porspect for the Maple Leafs' defense in the future, while Petiot will bring some defensive depth to the Lightning's blueline.

The Edmonton Oilers added some scoring depth to their offense on Wednesday by acquiring left wing Ales Kotalik from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a second round draft pick. It was rumored earlier in the season that Kotalik could be on the move at the deadline as it appeared the Sabres were not interested in signing him to a new contract. He will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 56 games so far this season, Kotalik has 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points. This is a good pickup by the Oilers, as Kotalik will bring plenty of offensive talent and veteran experience to their young forward lines as they look to hold onto a playoff spot.

In one of the last and most complex moves on deadline day, the Los Angeles Kings traded center Patrick O'Sullivan and Calgary's second round pick in the 2009 draft (previously acquired) to the Carolina Hurricanes for eight wing Justin Williams. The Hurricanes then traded O'Sullivan to the Edmonton Oilers along with a second round pick in the 2009 draft for left wing Erik Cole and a fifth round pick in the 2009 draft. It was rumored for the past few weeks that Erik Cole could be moved by deadline day, with the Boston Bruins rumored interested in his services. In 62 games this season, O'Sullivan has 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points. Williams, who is currently sidelined with a broken hand, has three goals and seven assists for 10 points in 32 games this season. In 63 games this season, Cole has 16 goals and 11 assists for 27 points. Williams is a good pickup for the Kings, as he will bring lots of offensive skill to their wing. O' Sullivan gives a Oilers a scoring center to play on Ales Hemsky's line, while Cole brings toughness and offensive skill to the Hurricanes. With this being Cole's second stint in Carolina, he should have no trouble fitting in with the team.

The San Jose Sharks added some toughness to their lineup on Wednesday by acquiring left wing Travis Moen and defenseman Kent Huskins from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for prospect center Nick Bonino, prospect goaltender Timo Pielmeier, and a conditional draft pick. The Sharks had been rumored to looking to add a gritty player to their team at the deadline. In 63 games this season, Moen has four goals and seven assists for 11 points and 77 penalty minutes. Huskins, who currently on injured reserve with a broken right foot, has played in 33 games, scoring two goals and four assists for six points and 27 penalty minutes. Moen and Huskins give the Sharks plenty of toughness and gritty play at their respected positions. Moen's role as a shutdown player will be very valuable to the Sharks in the playoffs. Bonino is a highly touted forward who could fit in nicely with the Ducks, while Pielmeier gives them another prospect goaltender.

The Chicago Blackhawks added some offensive depth to their team on Wednesday by acquiring center Sami Pahlsson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman James Wisniewski and an undisclosed draft pick. However, Pahlsson is currently on injured reserve with an abdominal strain and a viral infection. In 52 games this season with the Ducks, he has five goals and 10 assists for 15 points. Wisniewski has been limited to 31 games this season after undergoing knee surgery in September. He has two goals and 11 assists for 13 points and 14 penalty minutes. The Blackhawks were rumored to be seeking offensive depth leading up to the deadline and got that in Pahlsson. He brings plenty of decent two-way skills and veteran experience to the team. Wisniewski gives the Ducks another young defenseman from which to build with. He will bring plenty of toughness to the Ducks' blueline.

***UPDATE***Details of this trade were a bit sketchy after it was made, but later on Wednesday night the NHL announced that Chicago also acquired prospect defenseman Logan Stephenson in the deal, while Anaheim acquired prospect center Petri Kontiola.

Kyle McLaren is back in the NHL. The Flyers acquired the veteran defenseman on Wednesday afternoon from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a sixth round draft pick. It appeared the Flyers were poised to add some salary to their team after trading Scottie Upshall earlier in the day. McLaren, who became expendable to the Sharks over the summer after trading for Dan Boyle, has played for their AHL affiliate in Worcester all season because they did not have the salary cap space for him. The Flyers have been seeking defensive depth for their team for most of the season and got that in McLaren. His gritty play and defensive depth will be good for the team. However, the fact he hasn't played in the NHL since last season is not very promising and he may not be as much of an impact player as they are hoping for.

The Calgary Flames made one minor trade before the deadline by sending minor league goaltender Kevin Lalande to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a fourth round draft pick. Lalande was immediately sent to the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate in Syracuse after the trade was made. He has split time with the Flames' AHL team, Quad City Flames, and their ECHL affiliate in Las Vegas. In seven games with Quad City, Lalande was 2-3-0 with a 3.34 GAA and a .888 save percentage. In 27 games with Las Vegas, he was 17-5-4 with a 2.05 GAA and a .932 save percentage. Lalande was likely brought into Columbus to give them depth for their minor league affiliate. Don't read into this trade too much.

The Florida Panthers added some defensive depth to their lineup on Wednesday by acquiring defenseman Steve Eminger from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Noah Welch and a third round draft pick. This is the second time Eminger has been traded this season, as he was acquired by the Lightning early in the season along with Steve Downie for Matt Carle. In 62 games so far this season, Eminger has four goals and 21 assists for 25 points. Welch has been a healthy scratch for much of the season, appearing in 23 games, scoring one goal and one assists for two points. This is a great trade for Florida, as Eminger has plenty of offensive skill and veteran experience on the blueline. Acquiring Welch is a bit of a question mark for the Lightning, as he doesn't have much upside. The Lightning have traded off nearly every asset of the Dan Boyle trade and are left with Ty Wishart, who has some promise, and Welch. In the end, the Lightning pretty much gave Boyle away when they should have had more patience with the players they brought in.

Just hours after losing Brendan Morrison to the Dallas Stars via waivers, the Anaheim Ducks acquired center Eric Christensen from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for prospect center Eric O'Dell. The Ducks were rumored to be looking to trade some veteran players by the deadline in an effort to retool and get younger and more competitive. In 47 games this season, Christensen has five goals and 14 assists for 19 points. He was traded to the Thrashers last season at the deadline by Pittsburgh for Marian Hossa. Christensen will bring plenty of offensive depth and offensive potential to the rebuilding Ducks. O'Dell, who was a second round pick of the Ducks last season, has plenty of offensive potential that can help the Thrashers in the future as they rebuild their team.

The Buffalo Sabres added some depth at center by acquiring center Dominic Moore from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Carolina's 2nd round draft pick in 2009, which was previously acquired. Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke tried for most of the afternoon to re-sign the impending free agent, but was unable to do so. In a breakout season, Moore has 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points in 63 games. It's too bad the Leafs couldn't get Moore re-signed, as he has been a great player for them all season, but it's still a possibility he could re-sign with the team once free agency begins on July 1. Moore will bring lots of grittiness and offensive skill to the Sabres up the middle, especially on the power play.

The New York Rangers made a second big splash at the trade deadline by acquiring defenseman Derek Morris from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Dmitri Kalinin, left wing Nigel Dawes, and left wing Petr Prucha. Morris requested a trade over the weekend and pulled himself from the Coyotes' lineup to avoid suffering an injury. Morris, who had a no-trade clause, agreed to waive to go to an Eastern Conference team. In 57 games this season, Morris has five goals and seven assists for 12 points and 24 penalty minutes. Kalinin has one goal and 12 assists for 13 points in 58 games. In 28 games this season, Prucha has four goals and five assists for nine points, while Dawes has 10 goals and nine assists for 19 points in 52 games. Morris brings lots of toughness and veteran experience to the Rangers' defense as they attempt to hang onto a playoff spot. Kalinin brings plenty of veteran depth and offensive skill to the Coyotes' blueline despite his struggles this season. Dawes gives the Coyotes a young goal scorer with lots of potential, while Prucha gives them offensive depth on the wing. However, Prucha has struggled since his rookie season and it remains to be seen if he will fit into their future.

The New York Rangers made a late splash at the deadline by acquiring center Nik Antropov from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a second round draft pick as well as a conditional draft pick. This trade comes after weeks of speculation that Antropov was going to be dealt after being criticized for his play by Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. Originally, Burke was asking for a first round pick for Antropov, but lowered the asking price when most teams found the asking price too high. In 63 games with Toronto this season, Antropov has 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points. Antropov will bring plenty of offensive depth and skill to the sinking New York Rangers. He should provide an offensive spark to the forward lines and power play to help the team remain in the playoff hunt.

The Philadelphia Flyers added some toughness to their team on Wednesday by acquiring left wing Daniel Carcillo from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for left wing Scottie Upshall and a second round draft pick. Upshall was rumored to be on the move by the trade deadline in an attempt to free up salary cap space for a larger move. In 54 games so far this season, Carcillo has three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 174 penalty minutes. Upshall has seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 55 games. Carcillo brings lots of toughness to the Flyers' lineup and should be a character player for them. Upshall gives the Coyotes a gritty winger with plenty of offensive depth.

Bill Guerin has finally been traded. The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired the veteran right wing on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional draft pick. If the Penguins miss the playoffs, the Islanders receive a fifth round pick. If the Penguins get into the playoffs, the pick becomes a fourth rounder. If they make it to the second round or further, the Islanders will get a third round pick. Guerin has been in the rumor mill for the past couple of weeks and it became apparent he was on the verge of getting traded last weekend when he was pulled from the Islanders' lineup prior to a game against the Buffalo Sabres. In 61 games this season, Guerin has 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points and 63 penalty minutes. Guerin is a great addition for the Penguins. He can score, he's a very tough and gritty player, he's a proven leader, and he has lots of playoff experience. He will be an integral part of the Penguins' success in the playoffs. Look for his offensive production to increase playing Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. With the addition of Guerin's salary, the Penguins have assigned winger Miroslav Satan to their AHL affiliate after he passed through waivers. This will pretty much end Satan's hugely disappointing stint in Pittsburgh

The Boston Bruins added some veteran depth to their lineup on Wednesday by acquiring right wing Mark Recchi and a second round draft pick in 2010 from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Matt Lashoff and right wing Martins Karsums. Rumors began to swirl in the last week that Recchi could be on the move by the deadline, while the Bruins had been seeking a depth winger for a playoff run. In 62 games this season, Recchi has 13 goals and 32 assists for 45 points and recently passed Bryan Trottier for 14th all-time on the NHL scoring list. Lashoff has one assist in 16 games, while Karsums has one assist in six games. Recchi adds lots of veteran depth, offensive experience, and Stanley Cup experience to the Bruins. Lashoff gives the Lightning a tough, offensive blueliner to their rebuilding defense, while Karsums gives them a winger with plenty of offensive promise.

The Calgary Flames made a big splash on deadline day by acquiring center Olli Jokinen fro the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for C Matthew Lombardi, LW Brandon Prust, and Calgary's first round pick in the 2009 or 2010 Entry Draft at Calgary's choice. The Flames also received a third round pick from the Coyotes. The trade reunites Jokinen with Mike Keenan for the first time since the two were together in Florida. Jokinen had popped up in trade rumors in recent weeks because he was not fitting in well with some of the Coyotes' young players. In 57 games so far this season, Jokinen has 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points. Lombardi has nine goals and 21 assists for 30 points in 50 games this season. Prust, who is currently sidelined with a concussion, has one goal and one assist for two points and 79 penalty minutes in 25 games this season. Jokinen brings the Flames a tremendous amount of offensive experience and firepower. He will fit in nicely with the likes of Jarome Iginla, Mike Cammalleri, and Daymond Langkow. Lombardi will bring lots of speed and offensive depth to the Coyotes, while Prust brings lots of toughness to their lineup.

The Boston Bruins added some depth to their defense on Wednesday by acquiring defenseman Steve Montador from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for center Petteri Nokelainen. The Bruins were rumored seeking a depth defenseman for the playoffs and had been linked to Jordan Leopold and Derek Morris, but the asking prices must have been high. In 65 games this season, Montador has four goals and 16 assists for 20 points and 125 penalty minutes. Nokelainen, who is currently sidelined with an eye injury, has played in 33 games, scoring three assists. Montador gives the Bruins a very tough defenseman with some offensive skill. He will fit in nicely as a depth defenseman in Boston. Nokelainen gives the Ducks a decent young, third line center who should fit in nicely on the rebuilding team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins added some grit to their lineup on Wednesday by claiming right wing Craig Adams off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks. Adams has been a frequent healthy scratch in recent games and was obviously expendable to the Blackhawks. In 36 games so far this season, he has two goals and four assists for six points and 22 penalty minutes. The Penguins were rumored seeking grit for their lineup and were possibly trying to reacquire Jarkko Ruutu from Ottawa, but those rumors were quickly denied. Adams does give the Penguins a very gritty player and a veteran presence on their young team without having to part with a roster player.

The Dallas Stars added some depth to their offense on Wednesday by claiming center Brendan Morrison off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. Morrison was signed as a free agent by the Ducks last summer, but struggled as the team's second line center all season. In 62 games this season, he has 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points. The Stars' are currently without Brendan Morrow, Toby Petersen, and Brad Richards on their offense because of injuries and were obviously looking to add depth to their forward ranks. Morrison gives the Stars plenty of veteran and offensive depth to their offense and should fill in nicely until the above players return from injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were busy on the waiver wire Wednesday by claiming goaltender Martin Gerber off waivers from the Ottawa Senators and defenseman Erik Reitz from the New York Rangers. With rumors swirling that the Maple Leafs are going to shut down Vesa Toskala for the rest of the season due to an injury, they were looking to shore up their goaltending for the rest of the season. Gerber has struggled all season, being placed on waivers numerous times and being demoted to the Senators' AHL affiliate in Binghamton. In 14 games this season, Gerber is 4-9-1 with a GAA of 2.86 and a .899 save percentage. Gerber will be an adequate replacement for Toskala for the rest of the season as backup Curtis Joseph and prospect Justin Pogge have struggled in net for the Maple Leafs. Reitz had originally been acquired by the Rangers from Minnesota in January for Dan Fritsche. In 42 games this season, Reitz has one goal and one assist. This is a good pickup for the Maple Leafs, as Reitz is a very gritty player who could mesh well with some of the the other young defensemen on the team.

The Buffalo Sabres have addressed their goaltending needs by acquiring goaltender Mikael Tellqvist from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a fourth round draft pick. In 15 games this season with the Coyotes, Tellqvist has a record of 7-5-1 with a GAA of 2.86 and a .907 save percentage. With starter Ryan Miller sidelined indefinitely with an ankle injury, the Sabres needed to make a trade for a goalie, as Patrick Lalime has struggled since taking over the starter's role. Tellqvist gives the Sabres good depth in goal and could easily step into the lineup of Lalime continues to struggle.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Andy Wozniewski in exchange for defenseman Danny Richmond in a minor trade. Wozniewski has played in only one game this season, going scoreless. He has spent the rest of the season with the Blues' AHL affiliate in Peoria. Richmond has not played in the NHL yet this season, last playing seven games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season. Not much to say about this trade, as it looks both teams are just adding blueline depth for their minor league teams. However, if both teams suffer injuries to their defense, these guys could possibly be called up as replacements.

The Calgary Flames shored up their defense for the playoffs by acquiring defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat, defensive prospect Ryan Wilson, and Montreal's second round pick (previously acquired) in the 2009 Entry Draft. Leopold had popped up in rumors the past few weeks and had been linked to the Flames or Boston Bruins. In 64 games this season, Leopold has six goals and 14 assists for 20 points. Nycholat has played in 14 games this season, scoring one assist and was claimed off waivers by the Flames just yesterday. Leopold will bring the Flames plenty of offensive depth and speed to their blueline, and with this being his second stint with the team, will fit in right away with his former teammates. Nycholat hasn't played much this season and will likely be a sixth defenseman for the Avalanche. Wilson should be a good fit for the Avalanche in the future, as he plenty of offensive potential on the blueline and plays with a lot of toughness.

Tim Connolly is officially off the market on deadline day. The Buffalo Sabres announced that they have re-signed the center to a two-year contract extension worth $9 million. The deal averages out to $4.5 million per season. Connolly was the subject of trade rumors over the past few weeks, and at one point, it was almost a certainty that he would be traded. He has been limited to 29 games this season because of injuries, scoring 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points. Connolly has missed lots of time over the past few season due in large part to a series of concussions. This is a decent move by the Sabres despite the fact that Connolly is an injury-prone player. He has tremendous offensive skills and is excellent on the power play. If Connolly can stay healthy next season, he should be a major offensive contributor to the Sabres next season. This singing also shows the team's new policy on re-signing impending free agents before July 1, something that cost them the services of Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, Mike Grier, and Jay McKee in the past.

The first trade on deadline day is a notable one. The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they have acquired left wing Antoine Vermette from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second round draft pick. Vermette has struggled this season, scoring nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points in 62 games. Leclaire has been limited to 12 games this season because of injuries. He has a 4-6-1 record with a GAA of 3.83 and a save percentage of .867. This deal has been in the rumor mill for the past few days. Vermette gives the Blue Jackets a quick forward with good offensive skills, especially on the power play, who has the potential to score 20 goals. Leclaire gives the Senators a capable starting goaltender who could help turn the team around defensively. However, he will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, so he won't be able to help out the Senators until next season when they will look to rebound from a rough 2008-09 season.

Scratch Kuba from the list of trade candidates today. The Ottawa Senators announced on Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Filip Kuba to a three-year contract extension worth $11.1 million. The deal averages out to $3.7 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Kuba was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning last summer along with Alexandre Picard and a first round pick in 2009 for Andrej Meszaros. In 54 games so far this season, Kuba has two goals and 27 assists for 29 points. This is a good move for the rebuilding Senators as Kuba has been one of the team's best players all season. He brings good offensive skill to the team's blueline and is excellent on the power play. Plus, at $3.7 million per season, this is a good deal for a player of his caliber.

The Vancouver Canucks announced late Tuesday night that they have signed left wing Alex Burrows to a four contract extension worth $8 million that will keep him with the club through the 2012-13 season. The deal equals out to $2 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Burrows wasted little time celebrating his new contract by scoring two goals in a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild Tuesday night. In 63 games so far this season, he has 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points and 105 penalty minutes. This is a tremendous move for the Canucks, as Burrows is quickly emerging as one of their top forwards. He has good offensive skills and plays with lots of toughness, and at $2 million per season, this is a steal for the Canucks, as Burrows could have commanded a lot more on the open market this summer.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

With the trade deadline almost 24 hours away, several players have been placed on waivers in an effort for their teams to cut some salary. These players will likely have until noon ET tomorrow to clear waivers when waiver wire will come to a close for the 2008-09 season. The list of players currently on waivers include:

Most of these players are likely on waivers because they have little or no trade value right now. Satan is probably the most marketable player on this list and could be of some use to a team looking to acquire a top-six forward for the playoffs. However, he has had a poor season and has never really clicked well with linemate Sidney Crosby. Perhaps a change of scenery could do Satan some good. The Ducks are looking to free up cap space for returning injured players, so Morrison was the odd man out. Several teams have expressed interest in Roberts, but he will likely have little impact on a playoff team's success. Gerber has been on waivers many times this season and cleared each time, so expect him to clear waivers once again. Bell could be of some interest to teams looking for a depth defenseman. Voros and Reitz were likely waived to make room for Avery. Voros could be of use to teams seeking a physical forward, while Reitz could be of use to anyone looking for a young, physical defenseman. Sim could be of use to a team seeking a depth forward, while Perrin and Adams have played awful this season and will almost certainly go unclaimed.

The Calgary Flames announced on Tuesday that they have claimed defenseman Lawrence Nycholat off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks acquired Nycholat just prior to the 2008-09 season from the Ottawa Senators for forward Ryan Shannon. In 14 games so far this season, Nycholat has one assist. He is currently day-to-day with a groin injury. I'm sure this is a move Flames fans were not hoping for when it was rumored in recent weeks they were looking for a depth defenseman for the playoffs. More than likely, the asking price for any quality defenseman the Flames were interested in was high and they opted to go the route of a waiver claim, however one shouldn't rule out the Flames still making a trade by tomorrow if the price is right. Nycholat basically became expendable to the Canucks after they claimed Ossi Vaananen off waivers from the Flyers last week. Nycholat will likely fill the role of a sixth or seventh defenseman in Calgary.

Sean Avery is back in the NHL. The New York Rangers announced on Tuesday that they have claimed the always controversial left wing off re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars. The Rangers will be responsible for half of his remaining salary, which equals out to an annual cap hit of $3.875 million over the next three years. The Stars will be responsible for the other half. Avery had been playing with the Rangers' AHL affiliate in Hartford in an effort to return to the NHL. Rumors had swirled for weeks that if the Stars placed Avery on re-entry waivers, the Rangers would claim him. In 23 games so far this season, he has three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 77 penalty minutes. This will be his second stint with the Rangers. I guess I was wrong about the Rangers not claiming Avery off waivers after claiming Mark Bell from Toronto last week. This move comes as no surprise given the recent speculation the Rangers wanted him back to bring a spark back to their team. It will be interesting how Avery meshes with new coach John Tortorella given the latter's highly critical comments of the left wing back in December. Avery will bring a lot of toughness and offensive depth to the team as well as be an agitating presence to opposing teams. However, I'm not sure this is the right move for the Rangers to make. They are currently sliding through the standings in the Eastern Conference and could miss the playoffs if they cannot turn things around. Avery's antics caused the Dallas Stars to start the season very poorly and they did not improve until after he was suspended. If Avery brings those same antics to the Rangers, it could do the team more harm than good.

In a much anticipated move, the Minnesota Wild announced on Tuesday that they have re-signed goaltender Niklas Backstrom to a four-year contract worth $24 million. The deal averages out to $6 million per season. The Wild have been negotiating with their number one goalie on a new contract for some time now and wanted to get him under contract before he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Backstrom has had a fine season thus far, appearing in 51 games with a record of 28-18-6 with a GAA of 2.24 and a save percentage of .925. He was signed as a free agent during the summer of 2006 and has played with the Wild for the past three seasons. Backstrom had recently become the subject of trade rumors with plenty of speculation he would traded at the deadline if a new contract was not in place. Finally all the silly rumors of Backstrom getting traded can be put to rest! This move comes as no surprise and the Wild would not have moved him even if his new contract was not signed until after the deadline. If the Wild are to make the playoffs, they are going to need Backstrom there to backstop the team.

Monday, March 2, 2009

The NHL trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of any hockey season as playoff contending teams build up their rosters for a Stanley Cup run, while non-playoff teams trade away impending free agents, veterans, and other assets for prospects and draft picks to rebuild their teams. With the 2009 trade deadline only a few days away, I'm going to take a look at some of the players who I believe will NOT be dealt by the 3:00 PM, March 4 deadline. In no particular order, they are:

1. Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida Panthers - With the Florida Panthers currently holding onto the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and their first playoff berth in almost 10 years, they are not about to trade their star defenseman. Sure, there has been plenty of interest in him from around the league and GM Jacques Martin has stated that he would only trade him if they got a really sweet offer, but the Panthers do not want to destroy their chances at making the playoffs. Trading Bouwmeester could send the wrong message to Panthers fans that the team does not care about making the playoffs. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if the Panthers cannot re-sign him, expect them to trade Bouwmeester near the June draft, not at the trade deadline.

2. Chris Pronger, D, Anaheim Ducks - With the Ducks slipping down through the standings in recent weeks and in danger of missing the playoffs, there has been rampant speculation that Pronger will be traded at the deadline. The problem with that is the Ducks only have two defensemen signed through next season, Pronger and the recently acquired Ryan Whitney. With uncertainty over whether Scott Niedermayer will retire or whether impending free agent defensmen Francois Beauchemin, Steve Montador, Bret Hedican, or Kent Huskins will be re-signed, it would be a devastating blow to the Ducks blueline if Pronger was traded. As with Bouwmeester, it would be more logical if the Ducks traded Pronger near the June draft when it may be more clear as to which defensemen will be returning to the team next season.

3. Vincent Lecavalier, C, Tampa Bay Lightning - The Lightning have sat near the bottom of the Eastern Conference for most of the season and have made several trades and free agent signings throughout the hockey year to get better. About two months ago, wild speculation began to emerge that the Lightning were going to trade captain and franchise forward Vincent Lecavalier to the Montreal Canadiens. The rumors were quickly shot down by Lecavalier and the Canadiens, and for good reason. The Lightning are not about to give up on their star player just for a quick fix, plus he carries an expensive, long-term contract. Most teams would have to dump considerable salary in order to acquire Lecavalier. The same goes for Martin St. Louis. Neither player is getting traded this season.

4. Ryan Smyth, LW, Colorado Avalanche - As the Avalanche sunk through the standings this past week, rumors began to surface that the team was shopping Smyth. While there are rumors that plenty of teams are interested in him, he has a no-trade clause and has refused to waive it. Smyth is not going anywhere and will finish the season with Colorado.

5. Marian Gaborik, RW, Minnesota Wild - Gaborik has been the subject of trade rumors all season, but has also been injured for most of the season. Plenty of teams were interested in him before he suffered his latest injury, Gaborik's trade value right now is very low as he recuperates from hip surgery. No one is going to take a chance on Gaborik given his injury history and the Wild are prepared to lose him for nothing when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

6. Niklas Backstrom, G, Minnesota Wild - While on the subject of the Wild, Backstrom's name has popped up a lot in the rumor mill recently. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer and contract talks are reportedly going slow. However, the Wild are very close to a playoff spot and trading Backstrom would signal that they have given up on the season. If they are to make the playoffs, they are going to need Backstrom to help them do it. He will remain with the Wild until the end of the season, and if they cannot get him re-signed prior to July 1, it is possible they could shop him close to the draft.

7. Nikolai Khabibulin, G, Chicago Blackhawks - The Blackhawks spent the first couple months of the season deciding whether or not to trade the goaltender and his strong play convinced them to keep him. Given Cristobal Huet's struggles this season, the Blackhawks will keep Khabibulin and will go with him as their goalie in the playoffs. Plus, Khabibulin has won a Stanley Cup and Huet has yet to win a playoff series, so it makes sense for the Blackhawks to retain him.

8. Olli Jokinen, C, Phoenix Coyotes - Jokinen's name began to surface in the rumor mill a few weeks ago given his average play this season. While his name is getting mentioned more frequently in rumors as the days go on, I believe the Coyotes will retain him at the deadline. The likely asking price for Jokinen will be high and coupled with the fact that Jokinen has never once played in the Stanley Cup playoffs will probably turn most teams away. The Coyotes may have more lucking shopping Jokinen at the draft when more teams will know what their salary cap space will be like for next season.

9. Ilya Kovalchuk, LW, Atlanta Thrashers - Kovalchuk's name began to pop up in rumors several weeks ago as it became apparent that the Thrashers were going to be sellers at this year's deadline. However, given Kovalchuk's fine performance in recent weeks, the Thrashers are keen to retain him. Besides, if the Thrashers were to trade him, it may send the wrong message to the fans that the team is unwilling to retain its star players. The soonest I could see the Thrashers shopping Kovalchuk is next year at this time, but only if they are out of the playoffs and if they know they cannot get him signed to a new contract, as he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2010.

10. Christoph Schubert, D/W, Ottawa Senators - With the Senators set to become sellers on Wednesday, Schubert's name is still showing up in trade rumors. Given his lowly production this season, there is currently no market for the 27-year-old player and his trade value is near zero. He will still be a Senator through the end of the season.

The New Jersey Devils announced on Monday that they have acquired defenseman Niclas Havelid and right wing Myles Stoesz from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenseman Anssi Salmela. Havelid, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, has two goals and 13 assists for 15 points in 63 games so far this season. In 613 NHL games, he has 34 goals and 133 assists for 167 points and 336 penalty minutes with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Atlanta Thrashers. Salmela, who is in his first NHL season, has three assists in 17 games so far this season. This trade works out well for the Devils who were rumored seeking a depth defenseman over the last few weeks for the playoffs. Havelid gives the Devils a decent veteran, puck-moving defenseman, especially on the power play. Salmela gives the Thrashers another young defenseman to rebuild their team with who has the potential to become a decent puck-moving, offensive defenseman. Stoesz, who has yet to play in an NHL game, is a very physical forward who could become a future enforcer for the Devils.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The NHL trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of any hockey season as playoff contending teams build up their rosters for a Stanley Cup run, while non-playoff teams trade away impending free agents, veterans, and other assets for prospects and draft picks to rebuild their teams. With the 2009 trade deadline only a few days away, I'm going to take a look at some of the players who will most likely be dealt by the 3:00 PM, March 4 deadline. In no particular order, they are:

1. Bill Guerin, C, New York Islanders - On Saturday night, Guerin was a late scratch by the Islanders and it was quickly rumored that he was being traded to an Eastern Conference team. On Sunday, it was rumored that the team acquiring Guerin was either the Montreal Canadiens or Washington Capitals, but the rumors were quickly shot down in those markets. Other teams stating they were not trading for Guerin were New Jersey, Boston, and Carolina. The team that was supposedly acquiring Guerin was being kept secret so the deal would not fall through, but no trade was announced as of Sunday night and it's believed the deal fell through. Whether the Islanders and the mystery team are still working out details or the trade was cancelled, Guerin will be dealt by Wednesday. Whoever he gets traded to, he will bring plenty of offensive depth and veteran experience to the team, especially in the playoffs.

2. Derek Morris, D, Phoenix Coyotes - With the Coyotes currently in a free-fall, it has become apparent they will be sellers at the deadline. Morris has reportedly given Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he's willing to life his no-trade clause to accept a trade to. In the meantime, he has decided not to play in any games until a trade is completed so as not to risk an injury. Rumor has it that Morris is only willing to accept a trade to an Eastern Conference team. Which ever team acquires Morris will be getting a decent, physical veteran defenseman that will help them in the playoffs.

3. Niclas Havelid, D, Atlanta Thrashers - The Thrashers will once again be sellers at the trade deadline and Niclas Havelid is currently their most marketable player. He is a decent puck-moving defenseman who could really help out a team's power play. Expect to see him get dealt to a team looking to add defensive depth for the playoffs, such as Boston, New Jersey, or Calgary.

4. Nik Antropov, C, Toronto Maple Leafs - Ever since Brian Burke took over as GM of the Maple Leafs, Antropov has topped the list of most likely Leafs players to be dealt by the trade deadline. Burke has stated that he wants a first round draft pick in return for Antropov, which seems kind of steep for a player who is having an average season. However, there are plenty of teams looking for offensive depth at center and some may be desperate enough to part with a first rounder to improve their offense. Even though the asking price for Antropov is high, he will still likely be dealt by Wednesday.

5. Jordan Leopold, D, Colorado Avalanche - With the Avalanche in last place in the Western Conference and currently 10 points out of the playoffs, it appears that they are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Jordan Leopold's name has popped up in rumors over the past few weeks and it appears the Avalanche are keen to move him. Expect Leopold to wind up with a team looking for a depth defenseman, with rumors that Boston is very interested in his services.

6. Chris Neil, RW, Ottawa Senators - Since the beginning of the 2008-09 season, it has been rumored that this would be Neil's last season in Ottawa and that he would test the free agent market in the summer. While Senators GM Brian Murray would like to re-sign Neil prior to the deadline, rumors have popped up that contract negotiations have stalled. If that is the case, then expect to see Neil playing elsewhere by Wednesday. He would be a good pick-up for a playoff team seeking a physical winger for their penalty kill and checking lines.

7. Mark Recchi, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning - With the Tampa Bay Lightning sitting near the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference, they have decided to become sellers at the deadline. Among their most marketable players is Recchi, who has had a decent season thus far. Expect to see him get dealt to a Stanley Cup contender seeking scoring depth to their wing.

8. Ville Koistinen, D, Nashville Predators - Koistinen has been a frequent healthy scratch for the Predators over the past several weeks. He is reportedly unhappy over the situation and has requested a trade. The Predators will likely accommodate him and deal him to a team seeking defensive depth in the form of a fifth or sixth defenseman.

9. Mathieu Dandenault, RW/D, Montreal Canadiens - Dandenault has been a healthy scratch many times this season for the Canadiens and recently went to GM Bob Gainey and politely requested to be traded. He could likely generate plenty of interest from teams given his speed and his ability to play both as a forward ad defenseman. Expect a playoff team looking for veteran depth in either of those two areas to acquire Dandenault.

10. Ian Laperriere, C, Colorado Avalanche - With Laperriere set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, rumors have surfaced over the past few weeks that the Avalanche could trade him by the deadline. It is highly likely that Laperriere will be dealt to a playoff team seeking a physical center. Expect him to be on the move by Wednesday.

The Vancouver Canucks announced that they have claimed defenseman Ossi Vaananen off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers. The defenseman was placed on waivers in order to make room for Daniel Briere and his salary, as he returned from an injury on Friday. In 46 games so far this season, Vaananen has one goal and nine assists for 10 points. He signed a one-year contract this past summer with the Flyers after playing the 2007-08 season in Sweden. This waiver claim by the Canucks is purely a depth move for their defense in case they run into any injuries between now and the playoffs, so don't expect to see Vaananen in the lineup very often.

The Montreal Canadiens announced that they have claimed center Glen Metropolit off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers placed the center on waivers to make room for Daniel Briere and his salary, who returned on Friday from an injury. In 55 games with the Flyers this season, Metropolit has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He was signed to a two-year contract by the Flyers this past summer, so he will still be under contract with the Canadiens next season. Claiming Metropolit off waivers was merely a depth move by the Canadiens. He will fit in nicely on their checking line, but he is hardly an adequate replacement for Robert Lang on the second line. Expect the Canadiens to still make a deal by the trade deadline on Wednesday.